A Republican bill with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Air Quality Act" aims to prohibit weather modification activities within the United States and its territories. It establishes criminal and civil penalties for those who knowingly conduct or authorize such activities under specific commerce-related circumstances. The bill mandates the creation of reporting systems by the FAA and EPA to track aircraft and public reports of suspected violations. It also empowers the EPA to investigate these reports and coordinate with other federal agencies. Additionally, the act repeals existing federal authorities and regulations that allow for weather modification. Finally, it prohibits federal departments and recipients of federal funds from conducting weather modification research or experimentation.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates the creation of public reporting systems for aircraft and suspected weather modification violations.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill prohibits weather modification and geoengineering activities that could impact the atmosphere.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill prohibits federal agencies and recipients of federal funds from conducting research or experimentation related to weather modification.
- Scored -3
Would students be better off under this?
The bill restricts scientific research and experimentation which could impact academic and scientific pursuits.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency through Reporting: The bill requires the FAA to establish a system for air carriers to report aircraft equipped with weather modification components, and these reports must be made publicly available on the FAA website (Section 3(a)). This allows the public to see information regarding aircraft used for these purposes.
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Public Oversight and Reporting: The EPA, in consultation with other agencies, is required to establish a system for the public to report suspected violations, and these reports must be made available on the EPA website (Section 3(b)). This provides a mechanism for citizens to voice concerns and participate in monitoring.
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Strict Accountability for Violators: The bill imposes significant criminal penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years, as well as civil penalties of up to $10,000 (Section 2(c)). It also holds officers, directors, or employees of entities liable if they knowingly authorize violations (Section 2(c)(4)).
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Elimination of Existing Authorizations: The act repeals federal statutes and nullifies federal regulations or executive orders that currently authorize or require weather modification, including licensing or permits (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Scientific Research: The bill prohibits any federal department, agency, or recipient of federal funds from conducting or authorizing research, testing, or experimentation that constitutes weather modification (Section 5).
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Legal Risks for Entities and Individuals: Under the bill, any instance of injection, release, emission, or dispersal of substances related to weather modification is considered a separate violation, which could lead to cumulative penalties (Section 2(c)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates the creation of public reporting systems for aircraft and suspected weather modification violations.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill prohibits federal agencies and recipients of federal funds from conducting research or experimentation related to weather modification.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill prohibits weather modification and geoengineering activities that could impact the atmosphere.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill restricts scientific research and experimentation which could impact academic and scientific pursuits.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/9/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lauren BoebertRepublican · Colorado
Tim BurchettRepublican · Tennessee
John RutherfordRepublican · Florida
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey